Rising number of young Arakanese reported missing in Yangon

By Admin 14 May 2026

DMG Newsroom

14 May 2026, Yangon

Cases of young Arakanese people going missing in Yangon are increasing, with at least 11 missing person cases reported to the Arakan National Network (ANN) between June 2025 and May 2026.

Aid workers said a growing number of people, including those displaced by renewed fighting in Arakan State and migrant workers, have lost contact with their families after arriving in Yangon.

“We receive different missing person reports every day. Some cases are beyond our reach. Many of those who disappear are internally displaced persons, though it also includes long term Yangon residents. In some cases, women disappeared on their way to or from work. There are also instances of people failing to return after hiring motorcycle taxis,” said Ko Kyaw Soe Naing from the ANN legal team.

According to ANN, missing persons whose identities were confirmed include Ma Khin La Pyae Win, 27, Ko Nay Lin San, 30, and Ma Moe Yu Myint, 16. ANN added that there are likely many more unreported cases.

The missing individuals are originally from Kyaukphyu, Pauktaw, Minbya, Myebon and Kyauktaw townships. They had been sheltering in Yangon’s Hlaingtharyar, Shwepyitha and Mingaladon townships.

While some people have been found, including two women identified as victims of human trafficking, many others remain missing.

“I hear about people going missing frequently. It is more common in areas like Hlaingtharyar where many young people live. Since those missing are youth, it is possible they were conscripted or taken as porters,” said an Arakanese youth sheltering in Yangon.

Under the pretext of security, the regime frequently conducts overnight guest list inspections in Yangon and other areas under its control. These operations often involve the arrest of young people for military recruitment or extortion.

According to a statement by the Rangoon Scout Network on May 10, 11 people were arrested in four Yangon townships between May 4 and May 10. Of them, three were sent for military service, three were released after paying money, and the remaining five were freed after being beaten.

Due to ongoing fighting in Arakan State and junta blockades, many young people have been forced to leave for mainland Myanmar or abroad because of job shortages and limited access to education.